It’s always a red-letter day to bibliophiles when books originally published eons ago get a new life and a new audience. It usually takes a major television series or movie for this to happen. In the case of Jane Austen, we have seen new tie-in editions for Pride and Prejudice in 1995 & 2005 and Sense and Sensibility in 1996. Just the other day I saw a beautiful new movie tie-in cover for Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd in my bookstore. A good story is a good story no matter what generation it is introduced to.

Now the Poldark Saga, one of my favorite historical fiction series, is up for a remake. Some of you might remember the wildly popular television adaptation entitled Poldark on the BBC and Masterpiece Theatre in the mid 1970’s. Robin Ellis stared as dashing Captain Ross Poldark and Angharad Rees as his fiery Demelza. The two season and twenty-nine episode series was based on the first sevens novels in Winston Graham’s multi-generational saga. Now the BBC and Masterpiece have created a new production of Poldark. It aired in the UK in March and April to critical and public acclaim, garnering up to 7 million viewers an episode. Happily, US audiences will spend this summer in Cornwall swashing and buckling with dishy hero Ross Poldark when Poldark begins on Masterpiece Classic on June 21.

Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza and Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark in new the BBC/PBS adaptation Poldark

And so it all begins again. A whole new generation of viewers will be introduced to Winston Graham’s fabulous series. There are twelve books in total written over the course of his long career. The first two novels, Ross Poldark (1945) and Demelza (1946), have been adapted for the small-screen in the first season of the new Poldark. The good folks at Sourcebooks own the North American publication rights to the books, and in conjunction with Pan Macmillan in the UK, have created new series tie-in covers of the novels featuring the characters that they are eponymously named after. Gorgeous covers I must say, and so are the actors.

Here is a preview of the books from the publisher, who has also generously offered eight (8) copies of each book to sixteen (16) lucky winners. Contest details are listed at the bottom of this post. Good luck to all!

Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark: broody, rebellious, obsessed!

Ross Poldark: A Novel of Cornwall, 1783-1787, by Winston Graham

Book 1 of the beloved Poldark novels

A forthcoming major new series on Masterpiece™ on PBS®

In the first novel in Winston Graham’s hit series, a weary Ross Poldark returns to England from war, looking forward to a joyful homecoming with his beloved Elizabeth. But instead he discovers his father has died, his home is overrun by livestock and drunken servants, and Elizabeth—believing Ross to be dead—is now engaged to his cousin. Ross has no choice but to start his life anew.

Thus begins the Poldark series, a heartwarming, gripping saga set in the windswept landscape of Cornwall. With an unforgettable cast of characters that spans loves, lives, and generations, this extraordinary masterwork from Winston Graham is a story you will never forget.

Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza Carne: spirited, compassionate, loyal!

Demelza: A Novel of Cornwall, 1788-1790, by Winston Graham

Book 2 of the beloved Poldark novels

A forthcoming major new series on Masterpiece™ on PBS®

In the enchanting second novel in Winston Graham’s beloved Poldark series, Demelza Carne, an impoverished miner’s daughter Ross Poldark rescued from a fairground brawl, now happily finds herself his wife. But the events of these turbulent years test their marriage and their love. As Ross launches into a bitter struggle for the right of the mining communities, Demelza’s efforts to adapt to the ways of the gentry (and her husband) place her in increasingly odd and embarrassing situations. When tragedy strikes and sows the seeds of an enduring rivalry between Ross and the powerful George Warleggan, will Demelza manage to bridge their differences before they destroy her and her husband’s chance at happiness?

Against the stunning backdrop of eighteenth century Cornwall, Demelza sweeps readers into one of the greatest love stories of all time.

Enter a chance to win one of eight (8) trade paperback copies of Ross Poldark, or one of eight (8) copies of Demelza, by Winston Graham by leaving a comment stating what intrigues you most about the Poldark Saga, or if you have read them, who your favorite character is and why, by 11:59 pm PT, Wednesday, August 5, 2015. Winners will be announced on Thursday, August 6, 2015. Shipment to US addresses only. Good luck to all.

I loved reading the first volume of Winston
Graham’s amazing saga, but it was the
character of Demelza that really spoke to
me – smart, passionate, loyal, loving and
struggling to find her place. She remains
one of my favorite heroines in any novel!
I would love to own one of these books.
Thank you for this giveaway.

Loved the original series on TV and can’t wait to see this one. Would love even more to read the books as there is often so much more in them. Thank you Winston Graham for bringing us these amazing stories.

I am new to these books, but I am so excited to watch the show in a few weeks. I am most intrigued by the concept that he has come home expecting things to be normal, but instead his life has been turned upside down. I think it will be interesting to see him start over. Thanks for the great giveaway!

I have been seeing references to Poldark on different social media but never knew what the storyline was. I figures I would find out when PBS aired the story. Now I want to read the books and visit Cornwall! Thnak you for the reviews and of course the giveaway!

My husband and I were enchanted with the original production of Poldark and eagerly awaited each new episode… There was no “tevo” in those days so we missed some episodes when away or I had to work…. It was one of the wonderful experiences brought to us by Alistair Cook on Masterpiece Theater! I look forward to this new production and appreciate the added inspiration you have provided, Laurel Ann.

I’m currently reading about the American Revolution and I would like to include novels/non-fiction about the English perspective of that war and its aftermath – this novel series would definitely be a delightful addition.

I’m obsessed with Cornwall and the fact that this series is set there is such an attraction! But when you said the miniseries was based on books? Well consider me hooked. I can’t wait for June 21 and apparently my To Be Read stack is about to grow exponentially–12 books! Yay!

I read about Ross Poldark on a blog which had women relating who they would select as their perfect hero. I looked him up, found the story of the first series and then read a summary of the books on Wikipedia. I toyed with purchasing the DVDs but the lot was just too much. So now I have been thinking about purchasing the books…so this would be PERFECT. Thanks for the chance.

I am of the old generation but I had never heard of the novel Poldark or the 70s series. I’m French! I watched the new series on BBC some months ago. It’s just amazing! Dark and brutal sometimes but an amazing story. The actors are excellent too. I look forward to the next season.
I’m an international reader so, I guess, no intering the giveaway for me :-(

I’m old enough to remember when the first series was out, but I missed it, and I never read the books. However, I am very interested in reading them now and seeing the new series. Thanks for a chance to win them.

Absolutely my book consumption has increased dramatically since Masterpiece became part of my
routine. I have discovered so many interesting authors and characters from various historical eras. I can’t wait for Cornwall and Ross Poldark!

I’ve never heard of the Poldark series before so thank you for expanding my horizons! It is going on my Pinterest Board: “Wishlist for My Virtual Bookshelf” (books I want to read) right now and I’m setting the DVR for the Masterpiece series. Yipee!!!!

I learned of the Poldark series through your posts here and on FB, so am anxiously awaiting the series premier. The story premise, time period, and Cornwall all intrigue me. Would love to read these books!

I’ve heard so much praise for the old mini-series and some for the books that I’d like to find out for myself if this is a story that will speak to me. I like the different setting: post Revolutionary War England. A man facing adversity and making something of his life sounds appealing.

Of course Our favorite character is Great Aunt Agatha, because she reminds Us of Granny. Such a shame she is only a minor character in the first book. But also, imagine if Downton producers had hired Aidan Turner to be Our suitor! A worth partner, don’t you think?

I am completely fascinated by the American Revolutionary War, but we don’t often see books/movies that cover the time period directly after the war. I think Poldark will show us that interesting British perspective…as well as a wonderful romance! Thank you so much for this giveaway! :)

Thanks for this fascinating feature and giveaway which has always been one of my favorites. The book was unforgettable and the series interests me. I enjoy the complex characters, the story and the setting. Ross is whom I am entranced with.

I’ve heard good things about the 70s BBC show, but only recently found out that it was based on a series of books. I love classic and historical romances, and would definitely love to read these books!

I was hooked on the original Masterpiece Theater Poldark. The story gave insight of Cornwall of the times with the tin mining, the rise and influence of Methodism. I loved the characters — handsome Ross and his passionate Demelza, the conniving Warleggens — oh! I can hardly wait til the 21st! Would love to win a print edition so I can see Winston Graham’s original version of the story.

I’ve just begun reading my library’s copies of the books. It seems that the series covers the same group of characters, but over an extended period of time and with each book focusing on a different POV? Seems like an interesting approach. Thank you for the giveaway; I’d love to have my own copies.

I am so looking forward to watching the film! Poldark is new to me, so I haven’t read the books or seen the 70s film. I noticed my mom has it among her movie collection, though, so now I’m wondering if I should watch it this weekend or wait and watch this new version first?

Please excuse my ignorance, but I have never heard of this series before. It does sound intriguing, and I’m happy to have learned of it. I can’t wait to start reading it! Thank you for the opportunity to win one of them.

I never watched the show when it was first on, much as my mother loved it, but after I found one of the books in a bookstore around ten years ago, I got hooked – I tracked down all the books and my sister gave me the DVDs. So glad this incredible saga will get a new life and new fans. The books also inspired me to visit Cornwall, though I didn’t get there until last year. I have no need to enter the give-away, but am eagerly awaiting the new series – and I will be re-reading the books. I liked Poldark best, and his son (Jeremy was it? I can’t quite remember.) Demelza eventually grew on me, but it took a lot of pages for her to win me over.

I was an avid follower and fan of the original series with Robin Ellis. Whoo-hoo! I also have a complete set of the novels, and really enjoyed them. Ross Poldark is my favorite character, because, while flawed and hurting, he still stands by his principles and convictions, most of the time, and tries to do the right thing.

I haven’t read the books or seen the series yet. What intrigues me is the ability a writer has to write a story so compelling that it stands out among other works of the same style and quality. I’m looking forward to reading the books and watching the series (in that order ;), setting my DVR today!)

Both main characters of Poldark and Delmeza are so intriguing I cannot just pick one! Their obvious differences always belies what the have in common and that is,what I love about this saga.
I did see the original and even after just one episode, I love both.
I agree the dialogue is done more swiftly then I like (it is,as if we are not allowed to savor the wonderful lines originally written by Winston Graham).

That aside it is a delectable morsel to feed our souls when modernity offers us trash.

A giveaway of both books is so generous. If I’m lucky enough to win, I will send it to my daughter serving in the USMC in Japan. I have read t he books and loved them and am excited for yet another generation to discover Poldark. Cheers!

I loved the Poldark saga that was on television in the 70s (although I think I didn’t see the whole thing until it was on video in the ’80s and I borrowed it from the public library). I think my favorite character was Drake Carne (who marries Morwenna, eventually). I think I have most of the old paperbacks, but they are yellowing badly at this point. I keep them for the old photo stills from the 70s which grace the covers. Love! :)

Saw the original and currently own DVDs of both the earlier series, which my wife and I revisit periodically. Have also read all the novels, including “Bella Poldark”, which came very late in the series. I agree, Laurel Ann, that the pacing of the new series is rather fast and furious, and am afraid that many of the telling details of the novels will be lost in the rush. I also miss the broad humor of the first series, though many people may not. All that said, the new series is interesting enough to keep me tuning in.

Watched episode 1 Sunday night and was hooked. Interestingly, I was living in England while the first Poldark aired and chose not to follow it. Gives credence to the saying “Youth is wasted on the young!” Would love to be the winner of these books (and am looking forward to episode 2 Sunday night! :)

I’m new to the Poldark series but the first episode last Sunday was mesmorizing! My mom and I could not get enough. What is so intriguing about it for me, so far, is Ross’ strength to keep going after everything around him has crumbled down. The beautiful and haungting scenery is also so captivating. I’d love to win a copy of one of these books!

I did not see the Poldark series from the 70’s but I saw the first episode of the new production on Masterpiece and I and my husband are hooked! I need to see a few more episodes before I can decide on my favorite character. I do like Demelza who looks like she has quite a story to tell. Thanks for the giveaway!

Reblogged this on Poldarkian and commented:
Enter a giveaway chance for the first two books in the Poldark Saga: Ross Poldark and Demelza. Leave a comment here and then follow the link to Austenprose to double your chances of winning one of 16 copies available. Contest open to US residents through August 6, 2015. Good luck to all!

Just watched the second episode of the new Poldark series and can’t wait to see what happens next week! I’d love to read the books, too, to see what differences there may be between the books and the tv productions.

I’ve been seeing previews for the TV series and seeing that it had Aidan Turner of course also caught my interest. I also had no idea it was a book series first. I’m also interested in the Cornwall setting, as I spent some time in Cornwall last year and loved the area. Thanks for the giveaway chance!

It wasn’t until this wonderful show on PBS came on, that I was even aware it was not only a book, but a series. I am completely captivated by Ross Poldark and his story. I cannot wait to read the books!!

I am bewitched by both Ross Poldark and Demelza. Ross to trying to solve his life issues of home, mining, family and love all the while having the woman who has his heart throw her life in front of him with a marriage and child. Demelza is free spirit with a beautiful and kind heart and is a positive in Ross’ life as he struggles to start anew. Both are kindred spirits with different backgrounds.

I have not seen the original series or read the novels, but I am thoroughly enjoying the new series. It’s disappointing when the hour is over and I realize I have to wait a week for the next episode. I also feel like it’s a bit too rushed. I wish they’d included notes of the months or years during the series so we can understand how much time has passed. I’d love to read the novels and find out what’s missing from the series and get a better sense of the passage of time. So far I have a tie for my favorite character – Verity and Demelza. But I really love to hate George Warleggan too.

Being a hopeless romantic, I fell in love with the 1st version of this series back in the ’70s & I loved the relationship of Ross & Demelza Poldark. I never forgot them over the years & was thrilled they remade the series with Aidan Turner, a new favorite actor of mine. I would love to own one of the new books that you are offering & would be so thrilled & appreciative to win one. Many thanks!

I having been watching Poldark but now I’m interested in reading the books as well. I had never heard of them before! I am entranced by the setting: Cornwall is beautiful by the sea. And also the time period: it’s fascinating to contemplate the British side of the American Revolution and the aftermath of the war. So far, Demelza is my favorite character!

I just read your update on the series and enjoyed that. I’m so anxious to read the books, now that I’ve fallen in love with it. Episode 4 was great! So much tension and awkwardness. I love Ross and Demelza together and Verity’s part in helping Demelza was lovely. And, that song! Oh, my gosh, what a beautiful voice. I guess what intrigues me the most is the relationships but I’m fascinated by many aspects of the series, such as the mining and how difficult it is for an individual to operate with a single man taking over most of the mines.

I’m most intrigued by the strength of the characters of Demelza and Verity onscreen and, in print, how the richness of Winston Graham’s writing sets the scene for all the relationships, the details of each place and the people of each social class. He strikes a rare balance between pace and description. How happy I am that I was able to borrow “Jeremy Poldark” from the library (because the preceding books were all checked out) and find it picks right up from where the BBC 2015 Poldark first series ends. Thank you for your analyses!

What I like the most about the Poldark saga is the characters passion for life warts and all, whether they’re from a humble background or high society. Also, that it takes place in Cornwall doesn’t hurt either.

I have not read the books but after watching it on PBS I can’t wait to! I love the setting and the scenery. I’m also liking that it’s not just a typical guy-meets-girl romance. There’s more to it which makes for a more interesting story.

I have not read the books, nor have I seen the first version of the Poldark series. My husband and I have been enjoying this PBS Masterpiece Theater version. Unfortunately, we missed much of the first installment when company dropped by. Too bad, it set up the series, so we are in the dark about some of the dynamics. I am going to read your commentary on that installment to see if it clears things up. This was a transitional time in England and it is interesting to see it from the miners’, owners’, and society’s viewpoints. The Scenery is wonderful

I loved – and read- the original 7 books ages ago, and sadly, my copies did not survive a move. They were enchanting, well written, and inhabited by characters that one cared about.
Watching the re-make (which I love, though I was hesitant at first) makes me want to re-read the books, and wish I still had them.

My mom and I have been watching this and love being swept away on the coasts of Cornwall and into another era. The actors in this series are as great as the scenery. The plot is intriguing and each character is well developed and diverse. I love Verite and Dzmelda. Even Elizabeth has grown on me. But Ross Poldark is the man of my dreams, and hence why i like to watch the episodes right before I go to bed at night! Bravo to the British for bringing this new reiteration of the show back for a whole new generation to love.

Of course, I love watching the wind swept Byronic Poldark rail against the world, but the character that really intrigues me is George Warleggan. His dastardly deeds are stock for any worthy literary foe, fueled by envy and self-aggrandizement; yet, there are shades of complexity in his character. I often feel that George reveals moments of compunction in the midst of his anti-Poldark campaign. Whenever Ross thwarts him, George seems to genuinely admire Ross’ pluck. Is it weird to feel almost sorry for George as he often looks wistful to have a friend that he idolizes?

After going through with her marriage to Francis after Ross returns home, it must have been near impossible for Elizabeth to manage to get through her days without breaking down and crying. I can’t help thinking how differently all of the characters’ lives would have been had she decided not to marry Francis, yet I do think that Demelza is a perfect match for Ross. Her spirit, personality, and love are what he truly needs in his life. He is caring and supportive to everyone, but it is clear that he is especially so with her, probably without even realizing it…taking her hand to help her or just while walking together, encouraging her, and always smiling at her. I had never heard of these books until this June when this show began. I love the show, and I would love to read the books!

I have enjoyed the new series on PBS Masterpiece so much, although I did feel that the first couple of episodes were set on fast forward — it was hard to keep up! Now that I have seen all of the episodes, I would love to cozy up with the books and enjoy the story and characters at a much more leisurely pace. I think reading the books will help in better understanding Demelza, Elizabeth and Verity, the main female characters.

Thank you for helping to highlight the books and the tv series! It has been a joy following along with you. And thanks to Sourcebooks for their generous offer!

The new TV series has been my first introduction to the Poldark stories and I’m so glad to have discovered them! It is truly period drama at its best. The suspenseful storylines and the rich, multi-layered characters intrigue me most. I love how real the characters are to me; I feel like I’m honestly involved in their lives and struggles! The beautiful setting of Cornwall also draws me in. Can’t wait to read these books and get to know the stories in even more depth!

I absolutely ADORE the show on tv and I can’t wait to get my hands on the book! I guess what intrigues me the most is just all the different characters. It’s interesting how much Ross cares about those who are “below” him… not terribly common in those of his station. And it’s interesting to learn about Cornwall and what life was like there back in the late 1700s.

Hi, I am thoroughly enjoying Poldark and find myself thninkg about the next episode, and have watched the same episode twice. I love period dramas and stories about love, hardship, triumph over evil. It’s real life. All the actors are outstanding and do their character’s justice. I would say Ross Poldark is my favorite because he is a noble, strong, courageous man of principal. He’s so handsome however, his best quality is that he is a man of honor. I have not read the books and I am looking forward to having an opportunity to do so. I enjoy your blog and thank you for offering this giveaway.

What a fantastic contest! I literally just discovered the Poldark saga when it started airing on PBS and I’m hooked! I’ve watched each episode 3 times (so far) and I would love to win one of the books. I haven’t read any yet but I am looking forward to reading all of them (many, many times) especially to help me get through until season 2! I am impressed with the quality of the characters and how the books were written by Winston Graham so many years ago! Also, to be honest, the fact that they were written by a man because most of the books I have read and loved have female authors. I’m very glad they are remaking the TV series so that many new fans, like me, will be able to discover this absolute treasure! Characters I loved from the TV series: Ross, Demelza, Verity, Jud & Prudie. Thank you!

Chiming in a little late, not to enter the drawing, just to put in my 2 cents’ worth: saw the original series a few years ago on pbs and was not too impressed; the new series, recently aired, really caught my attention however! Have watched it 3 times now (bought the dvds) and begun reading the novels. I was into the 4th book, when I realized that 3 of them had only been HALF of the complete novel, as they had been the large print edition –all my local library had! Began to search for the complete novels to buy, but only found them available on ebay from the UK. Wondering about possible duties, fees, etc. I contacted a person who had bought a set last fall from the UK site, and amazingly enough they offered to sell me the set they had bought at a BARGAIN price!! I was ecstatic! So started all over from the beginning and am taking notes of things that I find memorable, especially details of the ladies’ clothing since I love to recreate costumes like those for dolls.